WTVM - 1-News

Teen Murdered in Columbus on Labor Day

Kristin Wild — Tue, 7 Sep 2010 01:18:00 EDT

Columbus, GA (WTVM) -- The Columbus Police Department confirms a Columbus teen has been fatally shot near 25th Street just before midnight.

Russell County Labor Day Fair back after ten years

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 13:09:00 EDT

If you're wondering where everyone in Russell County is this Labor Day, head a few miles down the road to Seale where they are bringing back the annual Labor Day Fair.

Shooting leaves Columbus teenager dead

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:48:00 EDT

Columbus Police tell News Leader 9 that a Friday night shooting has left one teenager dead.

Ft. Benning soldier to receive distinguished service cross

Tue, 7 Sep 2010 05:06:00 EDT

FORT BENNING, GA – A Fort Benning soldier will receive the Distinguished Service Cross in a ceremony at 5 p.m. Sept. 7 at the 173th Airborne Memorial at the National Infantry Museum.

Marion County inmates captured after bold escape

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 18:27:00 EDT

MARION COUNTY, GA (WTVM) - Two Marion County inmates have been captured after officials say they got out of the front door of the county jail. For one of the men, this is his second failed attempt at freedom in the past several weeks.

CSU women's soccer team shut out West Georgia 3-0

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 12:37:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA – Senior Melinda Bush scored her first goal of the season in the 15th minute of play to give the 12th ranked Columbus State women's soccer team an early 1-0 lead. Juniors Stephanie Lowery and Jackie Ellis also scored as CSU went on to defeat West Georgia 3-0 Sunday afternoon at the Walden Soccer Complex.

Hostage situation at Fort Stewart ends peacefully

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 11:29:00 EDT

Authorities at Fort Stewart are investigating a hostage situation that occurred Monday morning.

Public invited to high-tech scavenger hunt

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:37:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA — Columbus State University's Department of History and Geography invites all ages from the community to join CSU students, faculty and staff for a high-tech scavenger hunt using Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

Auburn woman dies following two-car wreck in E. Alabama

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EDT

LEE COUNTY, AL - A female passenger that was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Saturday has died from her injuries.

GA DOT to restrict Labor Day lane closures

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:23:00 EDT

ATLANTA – So that motorists can better enjoy the last holiday of the summer season, the Georgia Department of Transportation is suspending construction-related lane closures beginning at 5 a.m., Friday, Sept. 3, and extending until 5 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 7.

Gunman holds up South Columbus convenience store

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:19:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - Police say a masked man robbed a South Columbus convenience store Sunday night.

Red Cross says more blood is needed

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 09:53:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA - The American Red Cross Southern Blood Services Region issued an urgent call for blood donors on Aug. 22, 2010. While we have seen some response, more is required.

Editorial: Tax Allocation Districts

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 09:46:00 EDT

In 2007, the citizens of Columbus were given the opportunity to provide a valuable tool to city and economic planners that would catalyze investment of underdeveloped and blighted areas.

Hey Cheryl, What's Happening Events

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:55:00 EDT

Check back often for updates on events showcased on "Hey Cheryl, What's Happening".

Watch: 2010 Columbus Mayor's Debate

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:35:00 EDT

Our live mayoral forum from the River Center was held Thursday evening. If you missed it, you can watch it here.

Report: Van der Sloot concedes extorting Holloways

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 12:28:00 EDT

The Dutchman charged with killing a 21-year-old Peruvian woman and suspected in the disappearance of U.S. teenager Natalee Holloway has acknowledged extorting money from Holloway's parents and says he did it to get back...

Libraries and film groups celebrate banned books

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 10:27:00 EDT

The Columbus Film Society, the Columbus Public Library, and the Muscogee County Friends of Libraries will join together this September to celebrate the freedom to read what we choose.

Gas prices remain relatively unchanged for Labor Day

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 08:44:00 EDT

NATIONAL - Retail gasoline prices will remain relatively unchanged during the remainder of the Labor Day weekend and throughout the rest of the week, since the price of crude oil saw a minimal price reduction of 57 cents from the week prior.

Boaters get a head start on Labor Day fun

Mon, 6 Sep 2010 08:25:00 EDT

The official Labor Day holiday was just a few hours away, but on Sunday many families got a head start on enjoying the time off from work and school.

LaGrange woman shot, suspect behind bars

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 20:30:00 EDT

Police say a woman was shot Saturday night in the leg on McGregor Street in LaGrange, Georgia.

Business alarm prevents robbery

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 20:26:00 EDT

An employee at a local business had a close call with what could have been a disaster.

Man beaten and robbed in the street

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 20:23:00 EDT

Columbus police are looking for the person who they say beat and robbed a man downtown.

Fall 2010 events at the Columbus Museum

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 17:16:00 EDT

Press Release COLUMBUS, GAeorgia -- The Columbus Museum is pleased to announce the following special events and educational programs: Adult Programs Make It A Night Thursdays! Join the Museum on

Lee Co. Humane Society to host Woofstock

Sun, 5 Sep 2010 08:42:00 EDT

AUBURN, AL - The Lee County Humane Society will hold the 10th annual Woofstock on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Kiesel Park in Auburn.

Former egg farm workers say complaints ignored

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 21:09:00 EDT

U.S. Agriculture Department employees worked full-time at two Iowa egg farms at the center of a salmonella outbreak and massive recall, but two former workers said they ignored complaints about conditions at one site.

Brooks & Dunn end 20-year career at Nashville show

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 20:09:00 EDT

The first song Brooks & Dunn ever sang together has become their last.

Judge rules against suspect in superintendent stabbing

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:08:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA – A judge turns down a request for a lower bond for Columbus murder suspect Kareem Lane. Lane is charged in the fatal 1992 stabbing of school superintendent James Burns.

Attorney General responds to Parks and Rec investigation

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 18:02:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - The Georgia Attorney General's office said they will not get involved in the Columbus Parks and Recreation case. In a letter to both the city and defense attorneys for Herman Porter and Tony Adams, the AG's office said there is not enough evidence to say whether or not the alleged contract with Nike is an open record.

Hostage standoff ends at Kmart in Anniston

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:50:00 EDT

A man was arrested Friday after holding two people hostage at a Kmart in Anniston.

Columbus residents voice concerns for next city mayor

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:30:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - For the first time this election season the four candidates for mayor were allowed to enter into the homes of Columbus residents during WTVM's live debate from the RiverCenter. The candidates talked about a lot of issues affecting the city but economic development, public safety, and taxes were the main focus. But what do the people of Columbus think the next mayor should be most concerned about?

Man killed in downtown Columbus

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:16:00 EDT

The search is on in Columbus for two suspects believed to be connected to a fatal shooting in the Downtown area. Investigators have launched the city's 7th murder investigation of the year.

Pearl Harbor marks 65th anniversary of WWII's end

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 17:09:00 EDT

Like many other vets, Don Fosburg marked the anniversary of World War II's end reflecting on a victory dearly earned and on men who helped make that happen but never came home.

AL Supreme Court opens door for VictoryLand raid

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 16:11:00 EDT

The Alabama Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its decision that cleared the way for the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling to raid VictoryLand's electronic bingo casino in Macon County.

Two armed robberies point to one suspect

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:59:00 EDT

Columbus Police are investigating two armed robberies that happened late Thursday night. It is believed the two robberies are connected.

Callaway to celebrate 30th anniversary of fitness triathlon

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 15:18:00 EDT

PINE MOUNTAIN VALLEY, GA - Athletes and spectators get ready! The 30^th annual CallawayGardens Fitness Series Triathlon is Sunday, September 5, 2010.

Woman kidnapped by gunman hiding in back seat

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 12:57:00 EDT

A woman is kidnapped at gunpoint and forced on a scary ride with her attacker -- all in an effort to rob her of her car. She says the suspect was waiting for her, hiding in her backseat.

Warrant on theft charge issued for UGA safety

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:48:00 EDT

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - University of Georgia police say they have obtained an arrest warrant for freshman football player Alec Ogletree on a misdemeanor theft charge.

Funds still available in AL's appliance rebate program

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:06:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY—If you recently bought or plan to buy a new Energy Star-labeled appliance, you may be eligible for an unexpected bonus: a $25 to $150 rebate.

Upcoming events at Fort Benning

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 11:03:00 EDT

FORT BENNING, GA - The following U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning events are scheduled to take place between Sept. 2 and Nov. 18.

Oil rig explodes in Gulf of Mexico

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:37:00 EDT

The Coast Guard is on the scene of another oil rig fire in the Gulf of Mexico. Officials are now reporting a mile-long oil sheen spreading from the site. The rig is in water about 340 feet deep.

GA HOV lanes about to be adapted for toll use

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 10:31:00 EDT

BUFORD, Ga. (AP) - State transportation officials say high-occupancy vehicle lanes will soon be made available in metro Atlanta to solo commuters willing to pay for a faster commute.

Cotton farmers hope to avoid hurricane weather

Dal Cannady — Fri, 3 Sep 2010 09:10:00 EDT

Two hurricanes turning away from southeast Georgia isn't enough for cotton farmers trying to get an early crop harvested.

Man, 81, killed after tractor rollover

Fri, 3 Sep 2010 08:47:00 EDT

GERALDINE, Ala. (AP) - Authorities have identified an 81-year-old man who died when the tractor he was working on flipped over into a pond Wednesday.

Woman gets old money after cashing check, charged with forgery

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - Imagine that you have just enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant. The manager comes over and says you have paid with a counterfeit bill. This is what happened to Harris County resident Tori Lassiter. She explained, "I was completely humiliated of course because I did not know what she was talking about."

Sheriff department's K-9 suddenly dies

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 17:48:00 EDT

CHAMBERS COUNTY, AL – The Chambers County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of its own. We are told K-9 Kilo died suddenly on September 1.

Fourth suspect in pharmacy arson turns self in

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 16:48:00 EDT

News Leader 9 was the only news crew on the scene when Misty Joiner walked into the Columbus Police Department and turned herself in around 11:00 a.m.

CSU Happenings for Sept. 3-12

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 15:44:00 EDT

Click here to see what's happening at Columbus State University.

Fed judge OKs $12M settlement on bad peanuts

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 15:38:00 EDT

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - A federal judge has approved a $12 million settlement for those sickened or killed in last year's salmonella outbreak tied to a Virginia-based peanut processor.

Ford introduces police SUV for 2011

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 11:51:00 EDT

Ford is introducing its first SUV specially designed for police use, a model based on the new Ford Explorer.

AL tax collections remain below last year's

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 11:27:00 EDT

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama officials report that tax collections for the state Education Trust Fund were down 1.8 percent in the first 11 months of this fiscal year compared to the same period a year earlier.

Columbus gets more funds for Fort Benning gateway

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) - The city of Columbus has acquired $881,168 in additional federal stimulus funds for construction of a gateway into Fort Benning at Interstate 185.

More free concerts planned for Alabama beach

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:52:00 EDT

GULF SHORES, Ala. (AP) - Gulf Shores officials say Bon Jovi and Brad Paisley will perform concerts in mid-October to boost tourism on the Alabama coast after the Gulf oil spill.

Sketch released of man who raped Columbus mother

Thu, 2 Sep 2010 08:43:00 EDT

Columbus Police have released a sketch of the man they say raped a mother in her apartment, her child nearby. Officials do not believe he is connected to other unsolved brutal rapes in the city.

Man allegedly beats paramedic, stunned by police at Walmart

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:45:00 EDT

Police tell News Leader 9 a man caused quite a scene at Walmart. Police were called around 11:30 p.m. Thursday to assist paramedics as they tried to calm down a combative patient in front of Walmart.

UGA football fans can text for help at games

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:29:00 EDT

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Football fans watching games at the University of Georgia will be able to send text messages to request assistance in the stadium this season.

Dogs missing following burglary at parts store

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:33:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) – Tuesday morning, a couple of dogs were snatched in a burglary.

Heat plays a role in first day of school

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 21:36:00 EDT

It still feels like summer outside, but the break is over for kids heading back to class. Not only were drivers' tempers heated during the commute, but some buses and classrooms were hotter than they should be.

School buses adjusting to new Muscogee County start times

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 21:22:00 EDT

It's rare that any first day of school goes on without at least one hiccup, and Monday was no exception, but officials with the school district tells us things weren't as bad as they could have been.

Workers strike over pay, equipment issues

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 18:11:00 EDT

RUSSELL COUNTY, AL (WTVM) - If you live in Russell County you may have noticed your trash has not been picked up.

Some sanitation workers say they didn't go to work today because they're upset about their paychecks and lack of equipment.

Woman in wheelchair struck by car, driver flees

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 08:38:00 EDT

Albany Police are looking for a driver in an unusual hit and run. 40-year-old Heather Fulton was crossing a street in her wheelchair Thursday afternoon.

HOPE Scholarship could become need-based

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 08:33:00 EDT

Some Democratic state lawmakers want to put income requirements on HOPE scholarships.

Ft. Benning re-opens 32-year-old murder case

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:01:00 EDT

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM) - It is a cold case that is now white hot. It has been 32 years since a young private was murdered on Ft. Benning, and now, the case is back open.

Lightning kills 4 horses in north Georgia

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:57:00 EDT

JASPER, Ga. (AP) - A Pickens County couple says four thoroughbred horses were killed by a lightning strike at their north Georgia farm.

AU's Sullivan has knee surgery

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:52:00 EDT

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Auburn guard Frankie Sullivan has undergone successful surgery on his left knee.

100 days of oil: Gulf life will never be the same

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:50:00 EDT

GRAND ISLE, La. (AP) - It's been 100 days since an oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and setting off the worst oil spill in...

Woman crashes car into West Point Lake, drowns

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:16:00 EDT

LAGRANGE, GA (WTVM) - A Troup County woman is dead following what investigators are calling a strange sequence of events. LaGrange Police say the victim drowned after crashing her car into West Point Lake.

Woman's SUV crashes into side of vet hospital

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:37:00 EDT

Flip flops may be a summer staple, but one Chambers County woman says her flip flops caused her to slam her SUV into the side of an animal hospital – injuring two people.

E. Alabama man killed in one-vehicle accident

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:37:00 EDT

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY, AL - Mark Carlson Hollon II, 37, of Eclectic, AL was killed in a single-vehicle crash Monday evening about five miles east of Equality.

GA technical colleges see enrollment spike

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:15:00 EDT

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia's technical colleges saw the single largest enrollment increase in the state's history last fiscal year.

Back-to-school supply lists grabbing people's attention

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:07:00 EDT

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) - One package of white copy paper, dry erase markers, numerous glue sticks and hand sanitizer are just a few of the items on students' supply list for Auburn Schools.

Nap Nanny recliners recalled

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:33:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Portable baby recliners that are supposed to help fussy babies sleep better are being recalled after the death of an infant.

Nissan recalls 46,000 Cubes over fuel spillage

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:28:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Nissan is recalling 46,000 of its Cube model over possible problems with fuel spilling during rear end collisions.

Share your back-to-school moments with News Leader 9

Mon, 9 Aug 2010 11:01:00 EDT

News Leader 9 wants to share your back-to-school moments.

Cool People and Pets!

Thu, 8 Jul 2010 16:01:00 EDT

Show us how you and your pet are keeping cool. Submit your pics to Pix!

Pet of the Week

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:44:00 EDT

Every Wednesday and Thursday on News Leader 9 at Noon we show you an animal that needs a loving home from Muscogee and Lee Counties.

Man indicted after wife eaten by maggots

Trina Edwards — Sat, 4 Sep 2010 08:23:00 EDT

A Madisonville man has been indicted after investigators say his wife was eaten by maggots as she lay in her bed dying.

Share the Wealth

Piper Henriques [RAYCOM GROUP] — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:10:00 EDT

Think you know someone who deserves a little good fortune. It could be for any reason from a person having a rough year to a person who is contributing to help the community.

The Suite Deal

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 09:39:00 EDT

Register for a chance to win the ULTIMATE prize pack and tailgate that includes tickets to the Auburn Georgia game on Nov. 13, accommodations for the night of the game and a $100 gift card from Circle K Stores.

Win Tickets to Toy Story 3 - IMAX !

Piper Henriques [RAYCOM GROUP] — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:34:00 EDT

Want a bigger than life 3D "Toy Experience" for you and your family? Tune into WTVM News from 6 a.m. - 7 a.m. for the Toy Story 3 IMAX Trivia Question Of The Day, and answer here on WTVM.com.

What is Be There?

Wed, 4 Nov 2009 12:46:00 EST

Be There is a multi-media national parent involvement campaign that is sweeping the country. It is not a program or curriculum.